Kia Sportage: Owner maintenance

Owner maintenance schedule The following lists are vehicle checks and inspections that should be performed by the owner or an Authorized Kia Dealer at the frequencies indicated to help ensure safe, dependable operation of your vehicle. Any adverse conditions should be brought to the attention of your dealer as soon as possible. These Owner Maintenance Checks are generally not covered by warranties and you may be charged for labor, parts and lubricants used. When you stop for fuel: • Check the engine oil level. • Check coolant level in coolant reservoir.

WARNING Be careful when checking your engine coolant level when the engine is hot. Scalding hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure.This could cause burns or other serious injury.

• Check the windshield washer fluid level. • Look for low or under-inflated tires. While operating your vehicle: • Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes in the vehicle. • Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steering effort or looseness in the steering wheel, or change in its straightahead position. • Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side when traveling on smooth, level road. • When stopping, listen and check for strange sounds, pulling to one side, increased brake pedal travel or “hard-to-push” brake pedal. • If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transaxle occurs, check the transaxle fluid level. • Check automatic transaxle P (Park) function. • Check parking brake. • Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air conditioning system during or after use is normal). At least monthly: • Check coolant level in the coolant recovery reservoir. • Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn signals and hazard warning flashers. • Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare. At least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall) : • Check radiator, heater and air conditioning hoses for leaks or damage. • Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid. • Check headlight alignment. • Check muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps. • Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function. • Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts. At least once a year : • Clean body and door drain holes. • Lubricate door hinges and checks, and hood hinges. • Lubricate door and hood locks and latches. • Lubricate door rubber weatherstrips. • Check the air conditioning system before the warm weather season. • Check the power steering fluid level. • Inspect and lubricate automatic transaxle linkage and controls. • Clean battery and terminals. • Check the brake fluid level. Owner maintenance precautions Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only for the maintenance items that are easy to perform. As explained earlier in this section, several procedures can be done only by an Authorized Kia Dealer with special tools. Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage. For details, read the separate Kia Warranty & Consumer Information Manual provided with the vehicle. If you're unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an Authorized Kia Dealer.

WARNING - Maintenance work • Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be dangerous. You can be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedures. If you lack sufficient knowledge and experience or the proper tools and equipment to do the work, have it done by an Authorized Kia Dealer. • Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even more dangerous when you wear jewelry or loose clothing. These can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury. Always remove all loose or hanging clothing and all jewelry before working on the engine.

Engine compartment

2.0L Gasoline Engine 1. Power steering fluid reservoir 2. Engine oil filler cap 3. Brake fluid reservoir 4. Air cleaner 5. Fuse box 6. Negative battery terminal 7. Radiator cap 8. Positive battery terminal 9. Auto transaxle oil dipstick (if equipped) 10. Engine oil dipstick 11. Engine coolant reservoir 12. Windshield washer fluid reservoir The actual engine room in the vehicle may differ from the illustration.

2.7L Gasoline Engine 1. Power steering fluid reservoir 2. Engine oil filler cap 3. Brake fluid reservoir 4. Air cleaner 5. Fuse box 6. Negative battery terminal 7. Radiator cap 8. Positive battery terminal 9. Auto transaxle oil dipstick (if equipped) 10. Engine coolant reservoir 11. Engine oil dipstick 12. Windshield washer fluid reservoir The actual engine room in the vehicle may differ from the illustration.

Engine oil and oil filter

Checking the engine oil level 1. Be sure the vehicle is on level ground. 2. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. 3. Turn the engine off and wait for a few minutes (about 5 minutes) for the oil to return to the oil pan. 4. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and re-insert it fully.

WARNING - Radiator hose Be very careful not to touch the radiator hose when checking or adding the engine oil as it may be hot enough to burn you.

5. Pull the dipstick out again and check the level. The level should be between F and L.

If it is near or at L, add enough oil to bring the level to F. Do not overfill. For 2.7L gasoline engine, use a funnel to refill the new oil comfortably. Use only the specified engine oil. (Refer to "Recommended lubricants or capacities" in section 8.) Changing the engine oil and filter Have engine oil and filter changed by an Authorized Kia Dealer according to the Maintenance Schedule at the beginning of this section.

Explanation of scheduled maintenance items

Engine cooling system